Eating Disorders

Articles

Feb 1

What are eating disorders? Since the 1960s, we’ve watched eating disorder statistics rates double, and it isn’t hard to believe given the trends and beauty standards that are presented as the norm. Roughly every fifty-two minutes, someone passes away from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are mental and physical illnesses that can become serious if left untreated. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are two of the most common eating disorders, but there are actually 12 different types of eating disorders — and they aren’t age or gender specific. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, “28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives,” with the majority of the cases being between 12 to 25 years old. While the direct causes remain unknown, we understand that eating disorders can be sociocultural, biological, and/or psychological.

Anorexia Nervosa is the deadliest of the 12 eating disorders. A tell-tale sign associated with Anorexia is prolonged periods without eating coupled with extreme exercise, and sometimes purging. Bulimia typically involves ingesting a meal, then purging afterward. Oftentimes, diet pills and laxatives are abused to aid in weight loss. Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is similar to Bulimia where larger meals or portions are ingested, but purging does not follow the meal. Typically those with BED will enter a trance-like state, followed by guilt and shame at their behavior. And, similar to Binge Eating Disorder, Compulsive Overeating presents itself as large portions at every meal without the negative feelings binging can trigger.

Eating disorders seem to affect women more than men, but Muscular Dysmorphia is found more commonly in men. This disorder is characterized by an obsession with one’s physique and musculature. The remaining disorders fall under what physicians refer to as OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. These include variations of disorders similar to Anorexia, such as Orthorexia Nervosa (obsession with curating the perfect, nutritionally balanced meal that distracts one from living a normal life). Selective Eating Disorder can look like an ultra-picky eater, but the individual will avoid unwanted foods despite hunger pangs. This type of avoidance often leads these individuals to become sick. Lastly, Diabulimia is diagnosed when an individual is using their prescription insulin to manipulate their weight.

Signs & Symptoms of Eating Disorders

With so many varying disorders associated with eating, how do you know when it is time to intervene or consult a professional for guidance? Physical symptoms may be easy to pinpoint because an obvious sign is extreme weight loss or watching someone suddenly become food-obsessed. Witnessing excessive calorie counting or excessive exercise is not always indicative of an eating disorder, but it shouldn’t be dismissed. Sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and fainting are common symptoms of eating disorders. A weakened immune system, dry skin and hair, and muscles weakening are also symptoms of eating disorders.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms can range from becoming uncomfortable around food and eating in front of others to outright refusing to eat in public. Becoming obsessed with one’s appearance and nit-picking “flaws” is a red flag that should be addressed immediately. Someone struggling with an eating disorder may isolate certain food groups, experience extreme mood swings, and/or begin skipping meals. Being able to recognize a pattern and take action could save your loved ones from becoming absorbed by this kind of illness, and could literally save their life.

For most people, an eating disorder is developed over time. A family history of mental illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and/or depression can put an individual more at risk of developing an eating disorder. A history of abuse, whether physical, sexual, or emotional, can increase the odds of developing an eating disorder, too.

Impactful Ways to Prevent Eating Disorders

Preventing an eating disorder can be a challenging endeavor if you don’t know where to begin. The best place to start is by educating yourself. Understanding the differences between eating disorders and healthy diet and exercise will help you identify whether or not you should be concerned for your loved one. Encouraging positive self-talk, body positivity, and speaking out about how being “thin” can have negative impacts on a person will increase awareness. Avoiding labels toward foods such as “good” or “bad” will decrease negative feelings associated with certain foods.

Screening for an Eating Disorder

If someone you know is struggling, it is important to be available, keep an open mind, and practice empathy to build a safe space that encourages positive action.

Avoiding abrasive language and assumptions will help the individual feel more comfortable about discussing their concerns and feelings. If you believe someone you care about has begun showing signs of disordered eating, such as those stated earlier, screening for eating disorders could help you determine the severity of the issue. There are several short questionnaires available online to assist in diagnosing.

This self-paced screening tool can help if you are concerned about your own eating habits: Eating Disorder Test by Mental Health America.

This quiz is available for concerned parents of younger children and teenagers: Does My Child Have An Eating Disorder by More-Love.org

It is important to keep in mind that no online quiz will substitute an actual diagnosis. Exploring a diagnosis should be done with a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Treatment Programs for Eating Disorders

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with an eating disorder, it is important to keep in mind that help is available and that overcoming the condition is possible. You may want to build a treatment team of your own. A treatment team can consist of your primary care doctor, a dietician or nutritionist, a therapist, and/or your friends and family. Your team can help you establish a plan and provide support during challenging times. In extreme cases, hospitalization or outpatient facilities can be a great resource.

Among your available options, each facet of your plan will have its own options, and each plan is curated for the individual. Therapy may consist of one-on-one talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or group therapy. At Tilton’s Therapy, we will work with the patient to establish a treatment plan that meets the individual’s needs. Working with a dietician will encourage healthy food choices through nutritional education, meal planning, and goal-setting.

In extreme cases, eating disorders can lead to other disorders or health complications. It is important to work with your treatment team to monitor additional health-related issues.